Between the canvas’ and art supplies that prompt wondrous creativity in her room, Senior Jade Banuelos enjoys all things artistic. Banuelos and her devotion to art holds a significant part to her personality. In her spare time you will find Banuelos immersed in her figure drawing class, a scholarship given by Nicole Rapatoni’s acquaintance.

She has many extracurricular activities to balance. Banuelos has been involved with stagecraft, by painting a set for All Shook Up which was presented by Buena’s Theater crew in the spring of 2024. She serves as the vice president/art coordinator, helping to organize prizes for the art submitted in Pawprint’s magazine.

 Banuelos ultimately wants to express community in her work, because it’s what’s most dearest in her heart, along with guidance and experience from loved ones who support her passion for art. 

“I feel [community] has been a big part of my life, people around me [family and friends] have helped me through issues I’ve gone through,” Banuelos said.

Banuelos is fond of grunge and comic art. She got most of her inspiration from movies such as the anime “Akira,” the TV show “Arcane,” and old oil paintings from the Renaissance Era. She pours her heart and soul into these pieces of art, by reflecting herself on a canvas. 

Art from pop culture isn’t the only thing she is inspired by. Banuelos also takes a liking to music sub genres. With music influencing her art, it allows her to make the outcome appear more edgy which comforts her. Genres such as black metal and black gaze are two types of styles that are atmospheric tunes to calm her during her drawing or painting process.  

“Her art is such a unique and accurate portrayal of the world that she sees,” senior Solana Warren said.

Music gives comfort for her ears, but for her eyes, they get caught in a sunset on the beach. She is drawn to the ocean like a moth is to a light. Her landscape drawings are scene stealers to the sea. 

“The city we live in is really biodiverse, and there’s a lot of nature to see,” Banuelos said. “I just love doing drawings about the ocean, it has definitely influenced me.”

Being an artist can have its struggles, with some days of discouragement along with artist’s block, which is common for creative people such as Banuelos. Gabby Ornelas, Santa Paula city council member, suggested Banuelos do a presentation for the Ventura County Office of Education. Banuelos took this challenge upon herself to spread awareness about artists’ struggles they face. This program informs students as well as other pursuing artists showing them how other artists are affected by mental health. 

“[Banuelos’] art has been really important to her. It has shaped the way she expresses herself and shows the way she sees the world.” Warren said, “She wanted to bring awareness about her journey to other people, and bring the power of that art to those around her.”

Her powerful artwork inspired Santa Paula High School administrator, Cristina Ornelasto, to have Banuelos paint a mural for their school building. She got income from that mural and started doing commission work. 

Her father Nick Santos, is a mural artist and has his own line of art he sells in Los Angeles. Seeing her dad succeed has lit a fire underneath her and pushed her. 

 “I can really do this. I’m going to put full effort into it,” Banuelos said.